Photo credit: The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort Bohol

Senator Cynthia Villar assumed leadership on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, as the Senate launched an inquiry into the escalating controversy surrounding the encroachment of resort facilities upon the revered Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

In her capacity as Chair of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Senator Villar voiced grave concerns over the widening chasm between existing protective policies and their inadequate enforcement. She stressed the urgent need for concrete measures to address this discrepancy and safeguard the integrity of the nation's protected areas.

"This inquiry serves as a clarion call, compelling us to take decisive action in defense of our irreplaceable natural heritage. A thorough assessment of structures within protected zones, alongside a rigorous examination of relevant legal frameworks, is essential to ensure their alignment with conservation objectives," Senator Villar asserted, emphasizing the imperative for immediate intervention.

The Senate's initiative comes amidst mounting public outcry, underscoring the imperative of preserving the pristine beauty and ecological significance of Bohol's iconic Chocolate Hills for generations to come.